Vacation Week Activities for Children at the New Rochelle Public Library

With school out of session for the spring holiday, the New Rochelle Public Library has plenty of activities for children to occupy themselves.

The free programs, which take place during National Library Week, include films, crafts and live entertainment.

On Monday, two films from award-winning children's books will be screened in the Ossie Davis Theater. At 11 a.m., Spoon and Other Stories About Friendship will be shown for children ages 2 to 5. At 2 p.m., the classic 1971 movie Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory will be shown. This is recommended for ages 5 and up.

The program Tuesday at 2 p.m. will feature a naturalist from the Sheldrake Environmental Center revealing secrets of nature one can find in one's own backyard. Titled Nature's Spring Wake Up Calls!, this hands-on exploration is appropriate for grades one to five.

A musical program will be presented Wednesday at 11 a.m. by the Concordia Conservatory of Music. Introducting Wolfang Amadeus Schmutzinberry is a look at the world's most mediocre composer who travels to America to look for his lost manuscript pages.

Thursday event, between 10 a.m. and 1 p.m., invites pre-K through grade five children to a "Create Your Own Books" workshop. Supplies and ideas will be provided so children can create unusual and interesting books—a perfect project for National Library Week.

At 1 p.m. Friday, children's entertainer Will Shaw will juggle and perform tricks and circus acts for children ages 4 and up.

Wrapping up the week is a New Rochelle Downtown Business Improvement District Family Day event. At 2 p.m. Saturday comic magician Jim McClenahan will bring his blend of tricks and jokes to children of all ages, as well as their parents and grandparents. Seating in the 145-seat Ossie Davis Theater is on a first-come, first-served basis.